Biofuel analysis finds anaerobic digestion more efficient

Biofuel analysis conducted by Lund University in Sweden and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics in Hungary has revealed anaerobic digestion as a more energy efficient means of processing spruce to create bioethanol.

Spruce is an abundant material in Sweden, the researchers note, making it a good source for lignocellulosic matter for use in bioethanol production.

However, the evaporation of stillage has traditionally been an energy-intensive part of the process.

In order to discover ways to overcome this, the scientists undertook biofuel analysis, focusing on different methods of anaerobic digestion of the lignocellulosic matter.

The biomass is converted with improved energy efficiency using anaerobic methods, regardless of whether the liquid fraction alone or the entire stillage is processed, they found.

Subsequent biogas upgrading to create fuel, on-site heating materials or for injection into the mains gas grid was also found to be favourable in cost terms.

The findings are published in Biotechnology for Biofuels, which addresses the biofuel production process including pretreatments, enzymeatic conversion and plant deconstruction.